Erik ten Hag was hired by Manchester United to introduce the entertaining and high-risk style he implemented at Ajax.
The Dutchman hasn’t quite been able to replicate that at Old Trafford just yet, although the Red Devils have shown glimpses of brilliance under him.
Much of that comes down to personnel – Erik Ten Hag simply didn’t have the right players in the right positions to get United pressing relentlessly in his first two seasons.
A more pragmatic approach was often used as Ten Hag slowly but surely welcomed more and more of his own signings to Old Trafford.
One of which was Andre Onana, who had the task of replacing David de Gea – a four-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year winner – as United’s number one.
It was immediately clear that Onana was better with the ball at his feet. His range of passing is superb and his composure under pressure immaculate.
But when it came to stopping shots, he endured a tough first few weeks at United with multiple mistakes in the Champions League.
Andre Onana braces fans for risk-taking style of play
Despite his poor start, Onana’s confidence never seemed to drop. His self-belief is exactly what is needed in a United star and he continued to take risks in the face of his critics.
Heading into his second season as United’s starting goalkeeper, Onana will now hope to start the 2024-25 campaign in better form.
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Speaking to The Telegraph, he has told United fans to brace for even more risk-taking this season.
“That’s me,” Onana said. “And I think it’s what you’re going to see this season because I will take a lot of risks.
“I can tell you in advance already! Be prepared because it’s going to be this season, trust me! I will enjoy it even more when this season starts.
“The best teams in the world take risks. Building from the back, recognise things, situations, when the opponent jumps one against one, or when they press with three or with four.
“So, for me, it’s important to recognise those kinds of things and make the best decision for the team. I will take a lot of responsibility and I think my back is huge to carry it all. I think it’s going to be nice this season.”
A change of style
Ten Hag teased a change in style towards the latter stages of the season with Bruno Fernandes playing as a false nine and United pressing in a 4-2-4 shape off the ball.
That has continued into this summer’s pre-season, with Jadon Sancho also taking up a central position.
The shape may be tweaked when Rasmus Hojlund returns to fitness and Joshua Zirkzee is introduced, but one thing is for certain – United are playing on the front foot.
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Ten Hag’s side looked much more in control of possession during the pre-season tests against Arsenal and Liverpool than they did for much of the last league campaign.
Onana will have a big part to play in that style change as United pass out from the back, and as always the spotlight will be shining on him from the very first kick of a ball.
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